Lowther Holiday Park has been granted approval for an extra 125 static caravans despite objections being raised over the additional traffic which will be generated as a result.
The extension to Lowther Caravan Park, at Eamont Bridge, which involves the change of use of land from agriculture and associated works, will increase the number of lodges at the site to 555.
A number of parish councils, including Yanwath and Eamont Bridge plus Brougham, had objected to the proposal, a meeting of Eden Council’s planning committee was told.
Nick Atkinson, Eden Council’s planning services development manager, said the design of the proposal, on balance, was considered to be acceptable as an extension to the existing tourism site.
He said it was clearly a large area, geographically, but not all of the site would be developed.
There was to be no development in the area immediately in front of Yanwath Farm House, which is a Grade II listed building, councillors were told.
And although the proposal may result in a “small degree of harm” to the historic environment, Mr Atkinson said that was outweighed by the overall benefits of the scheme.
Jonathan Davies, chairman of Clifton Community Council, said concerns had been highlighted around the impact it would have on traffic and the wider infrastructure of the area.
He said it could cause a significant increase in vehicle movements through communities on the A6, including Clifton, where there is already a “massive issue” with through traffic.
A spokesman for Lowther Holiday Park Ltd said the site would generate a significant economic benefit for the area.
“We see it as being supportive of the local pubs in the area, the local businesses, and also the cycle routes that we are establishing within the area,” said the spokesman.
He added that a traffic assessment had been carried out which concluded there would be one extra car per hour as a result of the development.
Debra Wicks (Con, Greystoke), who proposed that the committee should follow the officer recommendation to grant planning approval, said 14 per cent of the district’s jobs rely on tourism.
“This represents a significant economic benefit to the district,” she stated.
Highlighting the boost which the nearby Centre Parcs holiday village gives to the local economy, she said: “If any of you should try to shop in Penrith on a Friday or Monday, on changeover day, I think you will see the amount of money which is actually spent in Penrith.”
John Lynch (Con, Penrith), who seconded the proposal, said: “We need a development like this for real jobs in Penrith.”
However, John Baker raised concerns about the traffic study which had been carried out.
“I think it’s lacking,” he said.
“These visits off site are going to create a lot more traffic movements than are suggested by this study and Eamont Bridge is a nightmare most weekends and occasionally during the week.
“Over the last couple of years there have been traffic jams way up to the bridge over the motorway and the Pooley Bridge road.
“There is a pollution implication. I know residents living on the A6 who have to keep their windows closed because of the fumes from traffic.”
Councillors, however, voted in favour of the planning application being approved.
